When most people think of Bogotá, they picture high-altitude living, Andean mountains, and maybe a cup of strong Colombian coffee. What they don’t picture—at least not yet—is a food scene that rivals some of the best cities in the world, at prices that will make you double-check the receipt just to be sure.

I’ve lived in Bogotá for over four and a half years, and if I’m being totally honest, some of my favorite restaurants on Earth are right here in this city. From casual tacos to high-end sushi, Bogotá punches way above its weight in terms of value and quality. And today, instead of walking around with a camera or flying a drone, I’m sitting on my sofa with a stack of receipts. Real numbers, real meals, no fluff.

Let’s dig in.

Think of El Corral as Burger King or McDonald’s, but slightly elevated. Better quality burgers, slightly higher prices. One of my go-to orders: a Tocineta burger with onion rings and rustic potatoes came to 59,400 COP (about $14.14). Not dirt cheap, but a decent value when you realize the quality is higher than typical fast food chains in the U.S.

If you’re craving margaritas and tacos, this place delivers. Two margaritas plus extra tequila shots, Mexican fries topped with pork, three fish tacos, and a couple of chicken and beef tacos came to 124,630 COP (about $29.67). That’s a lot of food, drinks included, for under thirty bucks.

Delivered through Rappi (Colombia’s version of Uber Eats), two orders of Kung Pao chicken with crispy rice set me back 73,800 COP (around $17.57). Spicy, flavorful, and still cheaper than Chinese takeout in most U.S. cities.

Chains like Tostao or Latia serve up excellent coffee and light breakfasts at very reasonable prices. Colombia is, after all, coffee country. A cappuccino or pastry here costs a fraction of what you’d pay in New York or Los Angeles.

One of Bogotá’s most popular Asian restaurants, Wok has a 56-page menu in full color—and the food looks just like the photos. Three sushi rolls, a dessert, bottled water, and a bottle of Spanish wine came to 304,000 COP (about $70). Compare that to what you’d pay for the same spread in Miami or San Francisco, and you’ll understand why Bogotá is a food lover’s dream.

Tucked inside the same shopping center as Bogotá’s IKEA, this spot offered three margaritas, fajita nachos, tacos, and pork flautas for 174,500 COP (around $41.55). Not the cheapest option, but given the amount of food and drinks, it’s still a value compared to Mexican restaurants in the U.S.

This chain is everywhere in Colombia and always packed. Don’t be fooled by the name—it’s more like a smaller version of Cheesecake Factory. They serve everything from seafood to beef, alongside their famous crepes and ice creams. Prices are mid-range and consistently good value.

This upscale bakery and restaurant is near my home, and while it’s pricier than average, the quality is unbeatable. A pizza, club sandwich, two glasses of wine, and fresh juice came to 165,000 COP (about $38). Their focaccia and baguettes cost around $1.50 to $4—a little higher than European bakeries, but still reasonable for artisanal bread.

These aren’t budget restaurants, but they offer the kind of dining experience you’d expect to pay two or three times more for in North America or Europe.

Bogotá offers incredible value when it comes to eating out. You can grab a burger for under $15, enjoy margaritas and tacos for less than $30, or sit down for sushi and wine for $70. Even upscale restaurants cost far less than comparable places in the U.S.

The city’s dining scene is diverse, vibrant, and constantly growing. From casual delivery apps to fine dining, there’s something for every taste and budget. If you’re thinking about visiting—or even moving to Colombia—you won’t have to sacrifice your love of good food to stick to your budget.

In fact, you might discover, as I have, that some of your favorite meals in the world are waiting for you in Bogotá.